Following the incident with a wolf near Austerlitz on Wednesday morning, the province and municipalities of Leusden, Zeist, Woudenberg and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug are calling on residents and visitors to be very careful in the forest area of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The urgent advice is not to visit the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in the municipalities mentioned with small children.
Nature area on the Den Treek estate
Disturbing and atypical behavior
Assuming it was a wolf, wolf experts say that behavior was shown that is atypical and disturbing. The province seriously considers that it is the same wolf that was previously involved in incidents in Leusden with another girl and a dog and has therefore decided to prepare a shooting permit.
Urgent DNA analysis
Earlier today, an urgent DNA analysis was requested and the clothing has now been handed over to the research institute. This research will clarify whether the same wolf is involved. At the same time as the DNA research, the province has requested wolf experts to further clarify this incident as soon as possible and to advise the province. The province has requested support and approval for the intention to shoot from the Ministry of LVVN and the municipalities involved, Zeist, Leusden, Woudenberg and Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Action perspective
If a wolf is seen, the instructions followed become: don’t run away but make yourself big, make gestures or noise. Walk slowly backwards.
For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl, 06 42 47 30 33